Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Monday expressed her sorrow over the death of a CRPF inspector during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she stated that the news was “extremely sad” and strongly condemned terrorism. She also called for unity against the threat, emphasizing that the entire country stands united against terrorism.
“The news of the martyrdom of CRPF Inspector Kuldeep Kumar during an encounter with terrorists in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir is extremely sad. May God grant peace to the departed soul. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. The entire country is united against terrorism and strongly condemns it in one voice,” wrote Priyanka Gandhi on X.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) inspector lost his life during an intense gunfight with terrorists in the Cheel and Dudu regions of Udhampur district on August 19. Following the encounter, security measures in the region have been heightened.
According to sources, a joint team of CRPF and J&K Police personnel was en route to an under-construction police post in Chill village in Dudu subdivision, close to the Lohai Malhar area of Kathua district. The joint party was on its regular visit when terrorists hiding in the forest opened fire around 2:45 pm. Inspector Kuldeep Kumar succumbed to his injuries in the firing.
Udhampur-Reasi Range DIG Rayees Mohammad Bhat acknowledged the challenges faced by security forces during the encounter. “This is very sad, but it is part of our duty. It is a jungle area, without roads and networks. Here, we are facing various challenges. We are using technology and drones, and we are trying to neutralise the threat as soon as possible,” said Bhat, as reported by ANI.
The attack occurs at a critical juncture, as Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for assembly elections after a decade-long gap. The last elections were held in 2014.
